James Bruce Eighmey 80, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri with his son and daughter-in-law at his side. Bruce was the youngest of 3 sons born to Paul and Myrtle Eighmey on December 23, 1939. He grew up with a love for basketball, played on the high school team and graduated from Sedgwick High in 1957. He then attended Parsons Junior College and acquired his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Teacher’s College of Emporia. Bruce went on to share his passion for government and history with hundreds of high school students throughout his 33 year career at Argentine and J.C. Harmon High Schools in Kansas City, Kansas.
Some of his proudest achievements would include working with ‘Project Close Up’ taking students to Washington D.C. and attending the Presidential Inaugurations of former Presidents: Reagan, Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. Bruce continued to share many tales and fond memories of former students, some of which serve in government today.
In Bruce’s later years, through arduous and meticulous research, he compiled an historical accounting of the events that occurred in his lifetime dating back to the early 1950’s and throughout the time period of WWII. Bruce would often refer to this partial recounting of his life as his “dash project”. By this, he meant to encapsulate the unnoticeable and simple, yet powerful, “dash” between a person’s date of birth and date of death. This published work is titled, “Winds Over Sand Creek”, and a copy has been placed in the Sedgwick City Library.
Bruce will always be loved and remembered for his love of the outdoors, his favorite hunting dog Reo, his love of travel and discovery, and attending KU basketball games with his son, Brent.
Bruce is survived by his son Brent (Denise) Eighmey of Tonganoxie, Ks, Niece Jan (John) Conard of Lawrence, Ks., Great Niece Katie Conard, Great Nephew Spencer Conard, Nephew Jim (Donna) Eighmey of California, sister-in-law Judith Eighmey of Lawrence, Ks, grandchildren Terry (Heather) Graves and Joy (Lance) Hayden, and two Great Grandchildren, Wyatt Graves and Lily Hayden. Preceding him in death are Bruce’s parents; Paul and Myrtle Eighmey, a brother Paul William “Bill” Eighmey, sister-in-law, Joan Eighmey, brother Jack Eighmey, and Great Nephew Aaron Eighmey.
There will be a visitation at Petersen Funeral Home, 215 North Main Street Newton, Kansas on Monday, August 10th, between 10:00am and Noon. Graveside service will also be on Monday at 1:30 pm at Hillside Sedgwick Cemetery, Sedgwick Kansas. The Casket will be open briefly at the cemetery 15 minutes prior to the service.
He was a very special great friend that I could talk to at all times. I will miss all of our conversation and RIP Bruce.
Bruce was always a great friend in high school and during the times we returned to Sedgwick for high school reunions. I have fond memories of our times studying together especially for biology class. And many other memories especially one he shared with me about when he, Jerry and some others were pulled over by the police. Fun times growing up in Sedgwick.
Bruce was one of my best friends and confidedant. We shared many great personal stories of our lives. He gave me insight to life & its quirky ways. Always mad me laugh & often a smile when I didn’t have one.
JB I will miss you terribly! Keep smiling down on me & give me your “Angelic” protection. ~
Always “Critter”
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Eighmey’s passing. I was a student at JC Harmon from 1984-1987. I was fortunate enough to go on a Project Close-Up trip to D.C either in 1986 or 1987. It cemented my love of politics. He definitely made a huge impact during his years of teaching. May you all find comfort in knowing he made a difference. My condolences on his passing.
Bruce will be long remembered as a loyal friend and thoughtful
scholar of our life and times.
He will be sorely missed.
I was a student of Mr. Eighmey’s, at Argentine and then in the first graduating class at JC Harmon. Mr. Eighmey challenged me in his sociology classes and as a person outside of the classroom. He took a lot of interest in me in sports and also in my personal life. Mr. Eighmey cared that my father could not attend my HS graduation as he was sick in bed, therefore he recorded the ceremony on a cassette tape. Mr. Eighmey was a huge reason I went on to have a 37 year career in law enforcement and corrections. He was a HUGE blessing in my life.
God Bless his family and friends.
I was a student of Mr. Eighmey’s at Argentine, then in the first graduating class at JC Harmon. He challenged me in the classroom to be the best student I could be, as well as taking a big interest in me in sports and in my personal life. He was a BIG reason I pursued a career in law enforcement and corrections, retiring after 37 years. I am forever grateful for his guidance and care. I will always remember that he recorded on a cassette tape my graduation ceremony, for my father who was sick in bed. He was a HUGE blessing in my life.
God Bless the family and friends.
I’m so sorry to just learn of Bruce’s passing. He was a special colleague and friend. We shared many adventures as teacher sponsors of Close Up including Inaugurations and a special trip to the White House Press Room with Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater. Bruce and I worked together on many Law Related Projects from Wake Forest’s Center For Law Related Education to state workshops on government. He was the consummate professional, but also a treasured close friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
I was so sorry to learn of Bruce’s passing. He was a longtime colleague and friend. We participated together in the Close UP program, Law Related Education courses and activities across the state and at Wake Forrest University, and training for Kansas Government Standards; and as a result became close friends. Rest In Peace, dear friend.
Dear Brent
Although I was never privileged to meet you during my relationship with your father, I felt I knew you.
I’m saddened by learning of Bruce’s passing. He was a friend, helpmate, inspiration & exceptional person. He encouraged me & supported my efforts in writing & discovery. My heart goes out to you and I’m sorry to learn of your father’s passing so late.
He loved you dearly, Brent.
Love
Linda (Talbott) Rupe